26 Cities From A To Z That Should Be On Your Bucket List

I hope you know your ABCs.

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Alexandria, Egypt

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Founded in 331 BCE, this historic city is now a contemporary gem. A must-stop has to be the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, or Library of Alexandria, which used to be one of the largest libraries of the ancient world, but is now a truly stunning modern structure. If you want to keep exploring the city's older side, stop by the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa for a trip through Roman history.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Argentina's capital city is an architectural cocktail of historic buildings, colorful homes, and modern skyscrapers. Spend the day perusing shops, snacking on empanadas (try 1810 for authentic ones!), and then head over to Plaza Serrano in the evening for drinks with the locals.

Cape Town, South Africa

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With its big-city feel and proximity to nature, Cape Town has got the best of both worlds. Soak in that nature with a ride on the aerial tram to the top of Table Mountain, or peep some adorable penguins at Boulders Beach.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

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This coastal city blew up in popularity thanks to its many Game of Thrones filming locations, but it has so much more to offer. Like Mlinica Ano, a restaurant inside a renovated olive mill that serves peka, a traditional dish of succulent octopus. Okay, and then quickly get a shot of you in King's Landing for your IG story.

Edinburgh, Scotland

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With lush Scottish greenery and towering stone castles, Edinburgh is romantic AF. To get a glimpse of a castle up close, head to Edinburgh Castle, which actually sits on an inactive volcano. Then take a trip down the cobblestone streets to a whisky tasting where you can even try your hand at making your own blend.

Fez, Morocco

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Be ready to get lost in this enchanting city — quite literally if you're walking through the medina. You could spend hours wandering the thousands of narrow streets lined with merchants selling everything from spices to fabric to pottery. Afterward, take in some fresh air with a walk in the Jnan Sbil Gardens.

Ghent, Belgium

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This port city is lined with canals that just beg to be explored via a leisurely walk or bike ride. Fuel up for your journey on the city's signature candy, cuberdon, a hard-shelled sweet with a raspberry center. Then head to the flower market in Kouter Square (it's especially good on a Sunday, when vendors pull out all the stops).

Havana, Cuba

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You'll have "Havana ooh na na" stuck in your head as you walk the streets of this colorful Cuban city. Wander the Centro Habana area, one of the most vivacious parts of the city. Afterward, stop by a paladar (like this one), a restaurant run inside of a home, for the ultimate local treatment.

Istanbul, Turkey

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Full of beautiful mosques and bustling bazaars, there’s plenty to see in Istanbul. First, stop by a Turkish coffee shop, where the coffee is brewed on hot sand. Once you're caffeinated, head to Ortakoy, an area that used to be a fishing village but is now the city's hip nightlife spot.

Jaipur, India

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Since Jaipur is known as the "Pink City," a must-stop is the Hawa Mahal, an enormous pink structure where the royal family used to observe the streets below from over 900 windows. To beat the Indian heat, grab a lassi at Lassiwala, where the traditional yogurt drink is served in clay pots.

Kyoto, Japan

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Lined with cherry blossom trees and bamboo forests, Kyoto is one of the most stunning cities in Japan. Soak in that beauty by heading to Enryaku-ji Temple, which is nestled on Mount Hiei overlooking Kyoto. Foodies should check out Nishiki Market, where they can snack on octopus skewers and mochi.

Lahaina, Hawaii

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In a state known for its natural beauty, it's hard to pin down just one must-visit location. Lahaina is quieter than big-city Honolulu but still has plenty to see and do. First, stop at the Lahaina Banyan Court and relax in the shade of Maui's oldest living banyan tree. And because it's always ice cream time in Hawaii, grab a shave ice while you're there.

Melbourne, Australia

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The first place you should stop when you head down under to Melbourne is the Queen Victoria Market. It's famous, but it's well worth brushing elbows with locals and other tourists as you browse the stalls selling everything from clothing to fresh foods. If you're still not full, head to Lune Croissanterie for a fresh-baked pastry (supposedly the best in the world).

New Orleans, USA

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NOLA has no shortage of things to do, whether you're drawn there for the food, ghost stories, or lively music. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the Bywater area to scope out street art and beautiful Southern architecture. If you do head to the popular French Quarter, be sure to stop by Napoleon House, a 200-year-old restaurant.

Oaxaca City, Mexico

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Oaxaca City is one of Mexico's biggest foodie destinations, so save some room for the tacos at Tacos de Comal in Plaza del Carmen. They're considered some of the best street tacos in the city! Wash them down with a mezcal tasting at In Situ, where you can sample the largest collection of mezcal in the country.

Petra, Jordan

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Possibly settled as early as 9,000 BCE, Petra has long been on people's lists of places you have to see before you die. The city is built directly into the natural stone, encasing you in rosy gold light if you stop by during sunset. Climb the 100 flights of stairs to the High Place of Sacrifice for the best view of the city (worth it!).

Queenstown, New Zealand

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Queenstown is known for being the "Adventure Capital of the World," so obviously you have to get your adrenaline going while there. AJ Hackett has a variety of thrill-seeking activities to try, from zip-lining to bungee jumping. Then head to Onsen, just outside the city, to lower your heart rate with a relaxing soak with a view.

Reykjavík, Iceland

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Even in summer, Iceland's capital can be pretty cold. The best way to warm up? A delicious cinnamon roll from Brauð & Co. Enjoy while walking the streets on the hunt for street art, or head to Hljómskálagarðurinn (say that three times fast!) if the weather's nice for a picnic by the pond.

São Paulo, Brazil

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São Paulo may not have the party reputation of Rio, but it more than makes up for that with its food. As the city has the largest population of people of Japanese descent outside of Japan, a stop at Shin-Zushi for authentic sushi is a must. If raw fish isn't your thing, head to Mercado Municipal for 12,500-plus square feet of the city's best eats.

Taipei, Taiwan

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Taiwan may be small in size, but it packs a cultural punch. One of the best ways to get a scenic view of its capital is to hike up to Elephant Mountain on the eastern side of the city. Once you've worked up an appetite, head back into the city to Raohe Night Market to sample some of the best street foods Taipei has to offer, like stinky tofu (seriously, try it!) and black sugar boba.

Utrecht, Netherlands

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Like Amsterdam, Utrecht is a canal city lined with adorably colorful houses and shops, but with a distinctly small-town vibe. Explore the city in a somewhat unconventional way: with a kayak tour along the canals! Afterward, head to Café Olivier to sip on some beer in a cozy converted church.

Victoria, Canada

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Your first stop in this beautifully green city has to be the Butchart Gardens, 55 acres of lush flora including a rose garden and a Japanese garden. Once you've walked up an appetite, head to the harbor for some fish and chips at Red Fish Blue Fish, a sustainable seafood company (you are on an island after all!).

Warsaw, Poland

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Put away your map because Warsaw is one easy city to explore. Head down the Royal Route, an 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) straight line where you'll find most of Warsaw's major landmarks, including the Royal Castle. Treat yourself to something sweet at Tebe, an adorable gingerbread bakery straight out of a fairy tale.

Xi’an, China

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The famous unearthed Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an put this city on the global map, so naturally if you're in the area you have to stop by the museum to glimpse them for yourself. For more history, rent a bike and ride down the ancient Xi'an City Wall, where you can see the older area on one side and the modern city on the other.

York, United Kingdom

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If you want to experience ancient British history (and you're in York, so of course you do!) then head to the Shambles, a quaint area full of cobblestone streets. It's even been compared to Diagon Alley, for all you Harry Potter fans. If shopping makes you peckish, stop by Bettys for some high tea and dessert.

Zanzibar City, Tanzania

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When you're on an island like Zanzibar, it's a no-brainer that you'll want to stop by the beach to catch some rays, so head to Nungwi Beach for white sand and turquoise waters. For more ocean views, make a reservation at The Rock, a restaurant that you have to take a boat to, since it sits on a rock in the ocean!